In March of 2010, John and I met while both going to Clemson. Going to rival high schools, "Nester" always caught my eye at sporting events, and this continued into college. I saw him during a baseball promo night while at a basketball game and decided to send him a Facebook friend request. He soon began to pursue me very persistently, which was hard to ignore despite my efforts. This guy was not only really cute, but charming. We hung out very low-key one night after one of his games, and have been inseparable since. He was, and still is, so easy to talk to, and made me laugh like I never had before. I knew that night that he was certainly going to be a huge chapter in my life. Five years later, we are planning our dream wedding, we own a house just like we had always talked about, and are still so crazy about each other. John still makes me laugh, still makes me feel appreciated and listened to, and is the hardest worker I have ever met. He makes me happier than I ever knew possible, and leads us in a way that makes me feel so safe. We have had many highs and many lows come our way, many "firsts", and a lot of adventures. One thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment. I am so excited to marry him and take on what else comes our way!

Monday, March 3, 2014

John received a call that he had been picked up by the San Diego Padres after spending a season playing independent ball. He was set to leave for spring training that Friday, March 7.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

John and I went to dinner at Bin 112 in downtown Greer for our last date night before he left for the season. After dinner, while walking back to the truck (more like running for me because it was cold and rainy) John nudged me into the entrance of The Davenport, a local event hall owned by great friends of ours (thank you Scott and Lindsay Stevens!). The lights were off, and a huge heart made of candles was center floor. I dropped everything, and John proceeded (between my hysterics) to tell me what I'm sure were the sweetest words I've ever heard. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, and honestly, I really don't remember even saying yes. There were tears, more like sobs, and several incoherent comments and questions on my end, but the fact that OF COURSE I would marry him was well established.

After somewhat recovering emotionally, we called my mom first to tell her the good news. As soon as we hung up, cue lights, back door opening, and my closest friends and family charging towards us to celebrate. We enjoyed time with our loved ones, took pictures, and had a champagne toast. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

So, in THREE DAYS, John packed and prepared to go play for six months, moved out of his apartment, found and bought a ring (he picked it up on the way to pick me up for dinner!), asked for my dad's blessing, and planned and pulled off the proposal! I am still so impressed by him! A huge thank you to my best friend, Caitlyn, my mom, and the rest of my friends and family that helped him make the day so special. I so excited to be marrying my guy!